PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 2,144,682	$ 1,387,282
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	612,919	483,335
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	1,531,763	903,947
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	106,037	37,185
Asset retirement costs (non-landfill)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	10,450	2,529
Landfill assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	77,952	58,466
Buildings and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	329,617	189,445
Camp Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	135,827	110,242
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	385,172	231,980
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,061,090	729,154
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	6,757	3,759
Construction in Progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 31,780	$ 24,522